Inventor Garrett Morgan started his career out as a sewing machine adjuster, but his creativity and intelligence led him on a new path. Among his numerous ideas, Morgan invented the gas mask and the traffic signal, two indispensable inventions that have both saved lives and made life safer.
Garret Morgan's Early Life
Garrett Morgan was born in Paris, Kentucky to father Sydney Morgan and mother Elizabeth Reed Morgan. After obtaining an elementary school education, at fourteen Morgan moved to Cincinnati, Ohio where he worked as a handyman. In June 1895, he moved to Cleveland. His first job was as a sewing machine adjuster. In 1907, he started his own business selling and fixing sewing machines.
Morgan's First Invention
In 1909, he pursued several ventures. He opened a tailoring shop, which employed 32 workers, and he created his first invention. While experimenting with chemicals for a solution to prevent thread from scorching when sewing wool material, Morgan came across a solution to straightening curly hair. The chemical solution that he used to experiment with, had straightened the fuzz on the cloth used to wipe his hands.
Morgan Invents the Gas Mask
In 1912, Morgan made another invention. He created the Safety Hood, also known as the gas mask. He patented it in 1914, naming it a Breathing Device. The device had a hood that was attached to a long tube with an opening for air and a second tube with a valve that exhaled air. At the Second International Exposition of Safety and Sanitation in New York City, Morgan received first prize for his invention.
Morgan Invents the Traffic Signal
In 1923, Morgan had another idea. He noticed that the combination of cars and horse drawn carriages on the road created confusion and accidents. As a result, he invented a traffic light signal. On November 20, 1923, Morgan patented his traffic signal in the U.S., and later patented it in England and Canada. He eventually sold the rights to the General Electric Corporation for $40,000.
Other Endeavors
Besides being an inventor, Morgan was active in his community. He created the black newspaper the Cleveland Call, which later became known as the Call & Post. In 1914, he began serving as the treasurer of the Cleveland Association of Colored Men. When it later merged with the NAACP, he became a member. Lastly, in an effort to represent black constituents, Morgan made an unsuccessful run for the Cleveland City Council.
In 1943, Morgan contracted glaucoma and lost 90 percent of his eyesight. He died on July 27, 1963.
Source:
Haber, Louis, Black Pioneers of Science and Invention, Harcourt, 1970.
